The US has an old president. Therefore, all the details of its functioning are discussed again, including the most modern means of the government. The unique Air Force One is certainly among them.
Air Force One, the plane used to transport American presidents, is one of the most modern and sophisticated means of transportation in the world. It’s not just for transportation, must protect the president, conceal his location and movement, allow him to rule from the deck and issue the most important orders.
Air Force One it is not only the absolute top of military, espionage and communication technology, but also one of the most famous symbols of the presidency. That is why the inscription “United States of America”, the American flag, but also the seal of the President of the USA shines on it.
A new version is coming soon
Standard practice today is to use the term Air Force One to refer to specific aircraft that are equipped to transport the Commander-in-Chief. They are two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series machines. The Air Force designation for the aircraft is VC-25A. In 2027 and 2028, they will gradually be replaced by more modern Boeing 747-8s, such as the VC-25B.
By the way, in December 2016, the then-newly elected President Donald Trump took to Twitter to criticize the replacement of government machines due to the high cost, more than 4 billion dollars.
Air Force One combines the best, most powerful features of modern aircraft. The only thing he doesn’t excel at is speed and agility. But… it is capable of mid-air refueling, has unlimited range and can carry the president anywhere he needs to travel. The on-board electronics are reinforced and adapted to protect the machine from the electromagnetic impulse of a nuclear explosion and thus from collapse. Air Force One is equipped with advanced secure communications equipment that allows the aircraft to act as a mobile command center in the event of an attack on the US.
The White House in an airplane
There is practically no more sophisticated and expensive military aircraft in the world. It has the president and his traveling companions inside available 372 m2 floor area on three floors, including an expansive presidential suite.
According to US sources, the front of the plane is informally called the “White House”, a reference to the president’s official residence in Washington DC. The Presidential Suite includes a bedroom with two sofas that can be converted into beds, a toilet and shower and the President’s “Oval Office aboard Air Force One”. The President can address the nation from the deck. The aircraft also includes a conference room with a 50-inch plasma TV for meeting with staff.
On board the VC-25 is i medical area with a fold-out operating tableemergency medical supplies and a pharmacy. Each flight is staffed by a doctor and a nurse. The aircraft is self-sufficient, e.g. transports all food in two kitchens, which together are equipped to feed up to 100 people at a time. The President receives a personal menu.
A small hotel
Source: Youtube
Aft of the main deck are separate quarters for guests, senior staff, Secret Service and Air Force security personnel assigned to the aircraft, and media representatives.
When the president is on a state visit abroad, several additional cargo planes travel ahead of Air Force One to provide the president with vehicles, equipment and services.
Finally, some impressive data. The crew of the machine consists of 26 people and there can be up to 76 passengers. Maximum speed is 1,014.0 km/h (Mach 0.92)travel speed 930 km/h, range 12,600 km and reach 13,700 m.
